A commentary on the current housing crisis has won Brisbane artist David Wells a national art award.
His painting, Dream house with a galah, took out the top honour, and $25,000, as winner of the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosana Natoli said Wells’ work, selected from more than 460 entries nationwide, was a thought-provoking perspective on housing, which was a serious social issue facing communities across Australia.
Mayor Natoli said the Art Prize celebrated the very best in contemporary art across Australia and was the flagship event for the Caloundra Regional Gallery.
“This extraordinary work was one of 40 finalists selected from more than 460 entries from artists across Australia,” she said.
“The standard was incredibly high – something I encourage everyone to see for themselves in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.”
Mayor Natoli said another piece which “captured the community” was the People’s Choice award winner, Seabastion Toast’s The River House.
“It’s always fascinating to see which artwork connects most deeply with our community and Seabastion’s piece, with its vibrant colour and playful themes, clearly resonated.”
She said this year’s event marked two milestones, with Wells’ winning piece the 20th artwork to be added to the Sunshine Coast Art Collection through the Prize, and the Gallery’s 25th anniversary.
Sunshine Coast National Art Prize winners:
- Major Prize Winner: David Wells, Dream house with a galah.
- Highly Commended Award: Sam Harrison, Born Here, From There.
- People’s Choice Winner: Seabastion Toast, The River House.
- Artist Residency Award: Naomi Hobson, Rare.
